News and Tidbits
Penny Lytscop, Imbealcariel and Idesinholde
In Heaven and Middle-Earth: The Plaza Wheel of Power Turns: Penny Lytscop
As usual, everything and everyone on the Plaza is movin' and shakin', and this month things moved and shook quite a bit more than usual.
Starting in Valinor…
Lord Indur is no longer the fearsome Morgoth, and has retuned to walk amongst his fellow Minions. (Although we are all certain that he is still quite fearsome in his own right.)
The role of Morgoth was taken by none other than the infamous Mo, who filled the admin's shoes after a brief stint as a minion.
Loki Teshvara has stepped down from her position as Varda, brought back to Earth by the siren call of NASA. That's right- she's still a stargazer, albeit a mortal one!
The position of Varda was, of course, vacant, and has happily been filled by the Shire's own Blackrose Bugg (familiarly known as BB!)
Maiarian Man, longtime Bilbo, had a brief stint as a New Soul, before returning to Mordor. Perhaps to singe the long-present hair off of his feet?
The position of Bilbo left open was taken by our own Ander, who will have to get used to the fact that, at three feet tall, it is impossible for him to mount his horse from the ground.
On to Middle Earth-bound changes!
With BB off to watch the Valinorian skies, the Shire ruler position of Samwise Gamgee was filled by the capable Eamila Bolger.
And, dramatically more important than all of the changes listed above…(note: the author is not biased. Not one bit.)
Our beloved Lana has stepped down from her position after thirteen months of dedication and selfless contribution to our great kingdom. Lana shall indeed be missed.
However, her position has been joyfully filled by none other than the wise and witty Wamba the Fool! (or The Wamba formerly known as Blaed.) Wamba has the good wishes of every member of our kingdom to carry him through his first weeks as ruler, and the Riders are looking forward to a long and prosperous reign.
Special Ranks for May: Imbealcariel
As a new month rolls around, so do the new special character ranks. We have five stunners on our hands this month! Imbealcariel was at the ceremony.
After much talk among the gathered crowd of Riders, and a few others, the ceremony got under way. Culfy was the first to accept her new role as Lothíriel, letting Lana know she has some chores to look forward to, much to the amusement of the audience. She congratulated the other recipients and whisked herself away to begin drawing up a list of chores for Lana.
Second, Anka came trotting into the hall and neighing joyfully at having received the special rank of Felaróf. She pawed the ground with one hoof, showing off her new physique while everyone clapped approvingly. After she congratulated the other special rankers, Anka trotted from the hall, eager to get into her new role.
Soon after, Lail came riding in, fitting her new role as Dunhere perfectly. She…er he made a note to remind himself to buss the ladies around a bit and handed Lana some foo foo cookies.
Right on his tail came Imbe, looking stunning as Theodwyn. Imbe seemed to bounce around the hall as she congratulated the other guests and, following the trend of the night, congratulating Lana on her ‘beautiful wife.' She had some words to her kiddies, Eomer and Eowyn, reminding them that ‘mommy is always watching.'
Everyone was wondering where Rorina had gotten to, but then we realised that she had shrunk and taken on the role of Freda for the month. Once people noticed, they made a circle around her while she showed of her cute girlish looks and congratulated the other recipients, telling them all how beautiful they were…except for Lail, who she just cocked one eyebrow at and giggled.
As the night went on, more people entered the hall to offer their congratulations and many of the special rankers returned. There was much partying and in the morning, games were to begin.
On a final note – almost dead Theodred has now been confirmed totally dead – for this month anyway.
The staff at the The Rædboda would like to add their congratulations to the massive pile already accumulated by this month's special rankers. Imbealcariel reporting, from the June's Special Ranks ceremony, Meduseld.
Interview with Eleowyn: Idesinholde
A young female rider was walking up to the Golden Hall, she had been granted the permission to interview her for the Rædboda, as she was their new ruler, and the population of Rohan was curious to learn more about their Lady. As she entered the Golden Hall, she was greeted by the fair Lady and they sat down at one of the tables in the Hall. Then the interview started.
Ræd: Why did you decide to join the Kingdom of Rohan? Was it because the Eorlingas were your favorites in the books, or because the Plaza kingdom of Meduseld had the right activities? Have you ever been a part of another Kingdom?
Eléowyn: When I joined the Plaza, I immediately picked Meduseld as my home, and I've never lived anywhere else! I have to admit I didn't really give it a lot of thought in terms of activities. I had never been a member of a forum such as this and I honestly didn't understand what it was all about. But I enjoyed reading the discussions in the lore, book, and movie forums and I needed somewhere to call home. Though Samwise Gamgee is my favorite character in the books, Éowyn ran a close second, and since I just didn't feel very short, my choice became easy--a Rider I would become! I actually considered leaving Meduseld at one point, but by then I felt Rohirric through and through. So rather than leave, I got more active!
Ræd: What is your favourite activity on the Plaza, and which threads are we most likely to see you posting?
Eléowyn: Asking me to choose my favorite activity is like asking me which of my children I love best! *lol* At one time I hung out almost exclusively in P&FF, but as my muse has disappeared somewhere in the Caribbean or South Pacific, I don't get there much any more. I try to make an appearance in a lot of different threads in the kingdom, but even if I'm not posting, I'm usually "watching." But you'll likely see me most often in the Aethelmund, or the Riddermarket, or the Newbie Hall. Surprisingly (to me, that is), the cavalry has turned out to be one of my favorite activities! I say surprisingly, because I resisted joining for the longest time.
Ræd: What can you tell us about the Plaza character Eléowyn? And will you still RPG her, now that you have become Éowyn?
Eléowyn: Actually I'm glad you asked that question! People will often address me as "the ruler" when I am playing Eléowyn, or as Eléo when I am actually RPing Éowyn. They are 2 distinct characters, and I will make clear which one I am playing by using the name at some point in the post. I guess that might be a little confusing, but I spent over a year developing Eléowyn as a character and I just don't want to give her up! (Not to mention she is much closer to the RL me, though not identical to me.) But there are times when it is necessary (or just plain fun) to RP Éowyn, a ruler of the Mark.
As to the first part of the question, Eléowyn is a 50-ish widow, having lost husband and both sons in the War of the Ring. She grieved and stayed to herself for a period of time afterward, but now she has been drawn back into life in the Riddermark, and is finding strength in herself. Honor is very important to her, and she can be a bit prudish when it comes to anything that might look dishonorable. But otherwise, though she often presents a straight-laced front, she loves to kick back and have fun with her friends in the Aethelmund.
Ræd: When was the first time you picked up a book by Tolkien?
Eléowyn: I first read The Hobbit over 30 years ago, after a high school English teacher suggested it to me. It didn't take me long to move from that to LOTR, which I have now read so many times I've lost count.
Ræd: What is your opinion towards the films? Love them, or hate them?
Eléowyn: Oh I'd have to say "love them!" Not everything about them, certainly. There's no way a film could encompass everything the books have to offer. And though I've watched the commentaries on the extended editions, I still have a hard time understanding why Jackson felt it necessary to change a perfect story so drastically at times. Here's a confession--FotR was out for almost 8 months before I would watch it! I was so afraid my image of Middle-earth and its inhabitants would be ruined by a film, that I would not watch it. Now here's another confession--after I watched FotR the first time, I watched it at least once a day for the next month. *lol* Although I mourned the omissions and changes, the spirit of the story was still there, and I fell in love all over again.
Ræd: What have been the biggest changes in your Plaza life, after you became a ruler? Did you have any worries before becoming ruler? Anything you looked particularly forward to?
Eléowyn: Other than getting to carry around an icon with a picture of a beautiful young blonde? *lol* Well, I have had to cut back on some activities, due to lack of time, but all in all, I would say my Plaza life has not changed all that much. I suppose I'm more concerned about keeping a visible presence than I was before. Worries? Sure, I worried that I would let the kingdom down in some way. Still do, for that matter. My most thrilling moment so far, and something that I had looked forward to, was giving my first tribute.
Ræd: After having had a look in the P & FF forum, I have noticed that you are a very talented poet. Sadly though, it has been a couple of weeks since the last entry. Do you think your muse will return shortly? What does it mean to you, to be able to write poetry, and share it with the rest of the Plaza?
Eléowyn: Talented poet? You must have been in someone else's thread! *lol* Sharing my poetry here on the Plaza has been an amazing experience. In fact, though it may sound melodramatic, I think I could safely say it has changed my life in some ways. I had actually never written poetry until right after I joined the Plaza, and somehow I got up the courage to post that first poem, and then I was addicted. I honestly don't think I would ever have written the first line were it not for the Plaza. The first few months, I wrote several poems a week. A lot of them were pretty horrid, though. The time between poems gradually grew longer and longer, and now every time I finish one I have a fear that it will be the last. But the muse comes out of hiding every once in a while, so who knows?
Ræd: What is your favourite thing about the Plaza, and what do you like the least?
Eléowyn: I would have to say my favorite thing about the Plaza is the sense of community that we have here. There are people from all over the world, of all ages, but here, we are equal. And we all share one great love--Tolkien. The other end of that is what I like least--that there are those who try to ruin what we have here.
Ræd: What would be your top 5 Plaza memories?
Eléowyn: In no particular order: 1) writing and posting my first poem (and actually getting reviews!); 2) more pub "moments" with Fëawen than I care to list; 3) being ordered by First Marshal Sicilius to "teach (then Aethelwigend) Malorn some manners" *g*; 4) my first debate; 5) finding out at a very sleepy 3 AM that the citizens of Rohan had entrusted me with being their next ruler.
Ræd: Is there anything you feel particularly strong and passionate about?
Eléowyn: There are a lot of things I feel passionate about! I won't try to list them all here. (I hear a collective sigh of relief.) I suppose it might sound trite, but I believe strongly in the Golden Rule--treat others as I would want to be treated.
Ræd: Is there anything you think one should know about you? Anything you would like to say?
Eléowyn: Hmm. I only snore when I sleep on my back. I love red meat. I chew my nails (finger, that is, not toe). I think that about covers it. Oh, and I really want people to know that I'm interested in hearing from them (honest, I don't bite, unless you're red meat). If you email me, it might take me a few days sometimes, but I will respond. If I'm on IM and don't have a busy/away signal up, I'll talk.
Feature Article: The Last Alliance Update
Heafocwine
Alliance Forces
Battling through the icy strength of Caradhras, the Alliance forces have forged ahead. Despite the obstacle of an earthquake, ruined bridge, and then a near fatal avalanche, the Elves and Men began to end their struggle with the mountain. However, as the crossing of the bridge was begun, arrows fell thick within the Alliance forces. The company of orcs was a temptation to the soldiers of the Alliance, with their pent up rage against Caradhras. With one party of warriors driving the orcs into the rest of the Alliance troops, the other section of the army awaited the success of the soldiers corralling the orcs. When that success was achieved, the orcs were caught between the forces of the Alliance. A bloodbath ensued…
Meeting the Dwarven host at mountain's foot, the Alliance armies, now swelling even more than before, set forth on another leg of their journey. Their new object: the Old Ford…
Mordorians
At the Black Gate of Mordor, the forces of evil sit, ready to leave their camp. Despite their readiness, a brawl has broken out, which is common among the evil folk. Although but a minor beginning, the brawl grows, and must be stopped before the evil forces can move.
Army of the East.
Marching along the Great River, the Army of the East, is finally at its destination. Preparations for the arrival of the Alliance have been made, and the men wait behind their barricades with confidence. Behind them, machines sit, ready to fire upon the Immortals. Crows circle above their positions. Blood is in the air.
News from the Cavalry
Behind the Spears
Eormed
The Marshals have decided upon the suggestion of Eormed to give the Corthors actual names, replacing the “Corthor A” and “Corthor B” which was not only somewhat confusing to new Sperewigends, but also sounded very un-Rohirric. It has been decided that the Æthelwigends should choose the name for their own respective Corthors, so that it may have an individual name that represents them and their Wigends. So far, only Altura Flet has made a decision, choosing the name Deorc Wigends which means dark warriors (no calling them “Dork Wigends” now!!). Some of the Æthels are getting the opinion of the Riders under them, while others are simply too busy to think up a name. Hopefully by next month's issue there will be a full list showing the brand new names of every Corthor.
When I stepped into the The Steorrafyr Erkensteada I noticed something straight away: her owner Starfire has given her a major facelift! A new plaque adorns the entrance, the walls have been painted a new color and there is a new feel to this place that gives our horses an incredible welcome.
And there is something new that I have seen wandering around this fabulous place: Starfire has incorporated a theme in to her training schedule, and the theme for this month is Spring! When you post, you have to say what animals you see, as baby animals are all around.
The Erkensteda also has a place called the Se Eoærnan (Rider Interactivity), where you can race, jump, walk, trot your horse, and have fun.
I then decided to go for a ride, and I visited Anka at Moonlight Meadows. The first sign I saw hanging up on the wall was Horse of the Month. Entries are being accepted; your horse can be any shape, color, height, race, etc. It doesn't matter as long as it speaks the horse language. She is also running a Trivia competition for the Riders that wait whilst their horse's needs are being tended to.
And there are so many horses, so lovely and so well cared for in both centers. They are both treasure that Rohan can boast of being the keeper of.
InterKingdom Competition Update
Eoarod
Greetings all! Forgive me while I try to get through this ever so brief article “Andérlessly”! Still I feel I simply must give it a go solo this month as there are such huge doings in the IK world for Tweams Med!
We have good news and bad news on the IK front. Bad news first though; our Drill Tweam charged mightily in our battle of Lore versus the wizened Ents of Fangorn. MM's labyrinthine questions proved a bit too much for us in the end and we stood defeated in a heart pounding last minute tie breaker.
In the spirit of true Entish sportsmanship, Fangorn's über brilliant Drill Captain Morim had this to say, "If it couldn't be them, I am glad it's us." In return – Med wishes Fangorn the best of luck as they move on toward the playoffs!
Speaking of playoffs…
Yes fellow Rohirrim! ‘Tis a day to be proud indeed of your Meduseld Debate Tweam! We finished out the regular season in third place over all with three – count ‘em – three of our debaters placing in the individual top 10!
Now let the Semi-Finals begin! Tweam Med will face off against the Istari in their homeland beginning 5 July, while Lorien will meet with the Kilted Ones of Gondor in Minas Tirith to see who can “talk their way” into the Finals.
Please feel free to view the Debate and cheerlead like mad! We of the Tweam will do all within our power to bring home glory to Country and King!
Gooooooo Med!
It was a quiet afternoon, warm with a cool summer breeze and I took this opportunity to explore the Market. Upon entering the market I was awestruck. There were banners and streamers stretched out and each shop was selling a special item. It took me but a moment to figure out there was a promotion in the air and it was none other then the wonderful Miss Penny Lytscop. I found her in her shop and we ventured outside to a few chairs and sat, and being the journalist that I am, I requested from her an interview for my market update column.
Aria: Thank you Miss Penny for allowing me to interview you. I hope you are comfortable.
Penny: Very much so! And the pleasure is all mine, I assure you.
Aria: So tell me, was it a surprise to be given such a position?
Penny: It was quite a surprise! I was talking with Fëa about the RM in general, and she asked if I wanted to become more involved in Meduseld. Little did I know what I was getting myself into!
Aria: I bet! How did you feel about the position?
Penny: I was quite nervous about it at first, unsure if I could handle such responsibility and whatnot. Truth be told, I'm still getting used to the feeling of being allowed to open threads in Meduseld- I keep expecting to get in trouble with an R/A or something!
Aria: Well it does take getting used to. Are there any changes in the near future for the market?
Penny: Well, I don't see any major remodeling going on in the future. But shops are getting more and more complicated and creative as time goes on, and that causes change in itself.
Aria: Good good. So tell me what's it like working with my mother, Fëawen?
Penny: It's wonderful, of course! She's been very patient with me, answering all of my silly questions and quieting all of my newbie fears. I honestly don't know how she handles all that she does, and with such grace. If I was her and had to deal with me on top of it all, I'd be a nervous wreck!
Aria: So you don't foresee yourself running the market?
Penny: *turns pale* Not by myself, no... well, maybe someday, but that would have to be a long ways into the future, when I actually know what I'm doing and wouldn't make a terrific mess out of the whole thing!
Aria: Aww! So tell me as a rider to another rider… how is that ego?
Penny: *laughs* Well, what with being interviewed for the Raed and all, I have a feeling it'll need puncturing if I want to fit through any doorways any time soon!...Perhaps I can enlist the services of some of the male riders... I hear they have to deal with this sort of thing quite often.
Aria: Oh? Well you know men..
Penny: Do I?... That's news to me...
Aria: Well how will your eternally engaged feel about your promotion? Will there be less time for him?
Penny: Oh, he's been very supportive! Evening foot massages, cups of tea... once he even reenacted the battle of Pelennor Fields when I was feeling down. I don't know what I'd do without him! *gazes fondly into the distance*
Aria: I see you are clearly besotted by him! Does he visit you often at the office?
Penny: Occasionally, although he's typically spattered with something or other from Cavalry events, and has to wait outside whilst I bring him his tea. Poor Pell...
Aria: How is your free time affected with your position?
Penny: Not terribly, actually! I spent a good deal of time in the Market anyhow, and now I've simply switched main locations.
Aria: So what would you say the market would have to offer a newcomer to the kingdom, or a visitor? Or even a non-cavalry member?
Penny: One of the reasons I love it so much is because of it's simplicity. It's a great place for newbies to get used to the idea of RPing, as well as being a fantastic sampling of Rohirric culture for visitors to explore. And non-cav members (like me!) can find a way to involve themselves in their kingdom!
Aria: So Miss Penny I do think you have answered my questions! I thank you for the opportunity once again and wish you the best of luck.
Penny: Thank you, Miss Aria , for taking the time to interview me, and for your kind wishes!
Penny went back to her lovely shop to pack a few things for her move to the Riddermarket office where she will be a Lædanmangere along with Fëawen. I enjoyed my interview with the charming and intelligent Penny and I wish her luck and I do hope the people of the Market understand the great gift they have been given in the person known as Penny Lytscop.
Rider of the Month
Idesinholde
This month, our most favoured fool, Wamba the Fool, received the honour of Rider of the Month for June. Congratulations are in order for this honour. In that occasion the Rædboda asked if there could be set aside some time for some simple questions so that his fellow Rohirrim could learn more about him and perhaps a bit about the person behind the character, Wamba the Fool…
The Rædboda: So I am wondering, what does your name mean, and where did the
inspiration come from?
Wamba the Fool: Well, the inspiration sort of worked in a few different ways. I
knew I wanted to be a Fool (Jester/Minstrel), and as I cast about in my mind for
something connected with Fool, the name Wamba came to me. Wamba the Fool is a
character in Ivanhoe, believe it or not, but beyond that, "Wamba" just sounds
funny. Say it with me: "wambawambawamba..."
Ræd: Who is Wamba, and what is he like to portray?
Fool: Wamba is a great guy to role-play. He had some issues with his family (and
thus himself) growing up, but after spending some time with a
monkish/scholarly-type chap (from whom he learned all sorts of songs, and the
languages Westron, Sindarin, and some Quenyan) he settled down, only to be
roused right back up! *laughs* At some point a traveling Fool came to visit, and
Wamba was entranced. He went off with this Fool, learned a few things, and added
his naturally passionate nature with the education from Brother Eorhelm to the
other Fool's practical instruction to get... well, Wamba. (Incidentally, Wamba is
his "Fool's name;" he was born with a different one.) So now he wanders around
singing, learning new things, and trying to make people laugh, though he seems
to have concentrated his efforts around Meduseld lately... don't know why.
Ræd: Where would we mostly find you posting around the Plaza?
Fool: Hmm... Sometimes in the P&FF, though I don't just "troll" there often.
Often in Meduseld, sometimes in Admin, and I also get around in some Houses too.
I tend to take things on an activity-by-activity basis, instead of a "one forum"
approach.
Ræd: How long have you been a member, and have you been active the whole time?
Do you remember your first day, and how you spent it?
Fool: Hmm... My profile says "Thursday, August 08, 2002," so I guess that's when
I joined. Alas, I have not been active for the whole time. Besides week/two
week-long vacations scattered here and there, there was a big siesta a little
while ago, too. But I do remember my first day! I spent it getting enough points
to get rank III, and then spent the rest of the week impatient that I couldn't
hit IV right off. *Laughs*
Ræd: What keeps you logging on the Plaza?
Fool: The people. It's all about the people. RPing *with* people, primarily, and
developing my own character. I've also got this desire to hit VIII too, but
only because I suddenly became a "Doorwarden" instead of a "Counsellor," and
quite frankly, the Doorwardens' washroom just isn't as luxurious. XD
Ræd: How do you feel about being the Rider of the Month, and why do you think
you won it?
Fool: How do I feel? Good! And surprised. I still don't have a real answer as to
why I think I won it, so I'll just say "Divine Providence" and leave it at that. ;-)
Ræd: Do you remember the first time you read any of Tolkien`s work, and did you
become an instant fan?
Fool: Believe it or not, no, I *didn't* become an instant fan. I started with
the Hobbit, having no clue who Tolkien was, and couldn't get past the Dwarves
showing up at Bilbo's door. ("Hello, this is going nowhere and doing nothing!")
A little later, I managed to get through the Hobbit, didn't really like it (an
opinion I still hold to this day), and thought that if I didn't like the Hobbit,
I wouldn't like the LotR. Boy, was I wrong. *laughs* After I started LotR, it
was still going slow, but what hooked me was - you'll never believe this - the
bells on Glorfindel's horse, Asfaloth! I was like "an Elf with bells on his
horse's headstall? This bears closer reading!" And after that I got into it and
really started devouring it.
Ræd: Do you like the movies that Peter Jackson made of the LotR? Why or why not? Have you seen the cartoon made by Bakshi, and if so, what did you think of it?
Fool: This is a rather interesting question for me. At first I was very
impressed with the way things looked up on the silver screen, (especially the
Battle of Pelennor Fields,) but rather recently I've been thinking more and more
about it. How long can I, I asked myself, continue to disregard things that PJ
put in/left out that would obviously make the movie decidedly un-good? So I
started thinking more about the various things, and have come to the conclusion
that I like the movies as movies, but as LotR they *stink.*
As for the cartoon, I saw Hobbit once and half of RotK another time. My feelings? The orc-songs are the coolest things in them. "Where there's a whip *crack* there's a way!" "You go, my lad, hoho, my lad!"
Ræd: Why did you choose Meduseld as your kingdom? Have you ever belonged to
another one?
Fool: I chose Meduseld as my kingdom for "reasons," and then "feel." The reasons
were two: I wanted to be a man, because in my opinion there are way too many
Istari and Elves running around, and out of MT and Meduseld , MT was stuck up. Meduseld had the "feel" down pat: I can be comfortable here. In MT, as much as I
admire their RPing (some of the best on the site), I can't spend any length of
time there without feeling like/wondering if I've broken one or more rules. In
the end it just end up feeling like I'm wandering around with my fly down, and
as much as Wamba lives to make people laugh, that's going just a bit too far.
*g* So no offense to MT, but it's probably best that I remain in Meduseld.
(Besides, no green font in MT? I'm Eorlingas; I post in green; so it just won't
work, LOL.)
Ræd : Is there anything you would like to share about your RL person?
Fool: Hmm... Well, just keep in mind that I actually have a rather severe
'disconnect' with Wamba. Just because Wamba does something doesn't necessarily
mean that I'd do it, and vice versa. While he shares many attributes with me
(including a Heavenly mandate to make people laugh), we are, at the end of the
day, two different persons.
Ræd: What is your favourite plaza memory?
Fool: Whoosh, lemme think about that one... I think my favourite Plaza memory is
when I was with a real tight group of people, once. It's over now, but back then
I felt like we were on top of the world. We could handle anything that came our
way, and if you didn't like us, you could cry yourself a river, build yourself a
bridge, and get over it. It just felt real good to know that you had someone
watching your back, because you were willing to watch theirs. We had a mission,
and we did it. Yeah... that's my favourite memory.
Ræd: Do you have any plans for your plaza life, anything new you are planning to
start?
Fool: Well, I plan to stay active in all the RPs I'm in... As for new? That
remains to be seen... *mysterious smile.* I'm not *starting* anything per say
(like an activity or anything), unless the Muse just really lays one on me, but my life here just keeps getting better and better, and I don't foresee that
stopping anytime soon. *Grins*
Ræd: Thanks for your time, then.
Fool: Cheers, mate! *g*